Mobi Hub levels up with new name

One of the four projects in the Rural Innovation in Action (RIIA) programme will support a new on-demand bus service between Rutland and Melton, operating from a central hub in Oakham town centre. Since the initial proposal stage, this has been known as Mobi Hub, however a decision was made that a name was needed to accurately reflect the breadth of the scheme. Local Link was chosen to encompass the overarching vision of connectivity and accessibility. 

Key factors in this decision were the existing names of services in the area, with the on-demand service across Rutland being known as Callconnect and the health offering on the first floor of Local Link to be referred to as Health and Care Connect.  

The road to Local Link 

The RIIA delivery team undertook a multi-stage process, working together to develop a bank of names that suited the scheme. Before gaining wider external feedback, favoured options were selected and discussed with internal colleagues to gauge opinion. 

Following this internal process, public engagement was undertaken with two groups – The Rutland Youth Council and The Rutland Disabled Youth Forum – to gain external opinion. The wider voluntary sector was also consulted with no feedback received. 

External feedback 

It was important to gain anecdotal internal and external feedback as part of the naming process as it allowed us to gain opinions from a range of stakeholders. From these discussions surrounding the proposed shortlisted names, the feedback on Local Link was overwhelmingly positive and included that:  

  • It encompasses all the various aspects of the scheme well  
  • It shows that the project is ‘linking’ lots of community facilities/ resources  
  • It conveys inclusivity and ease of use for the community 
  • The name is easy to understand and remember 

The final decision 

Following this process, it was decided that Local Link is a simple but effective name for the scheme formerly known as MobiHub. It reflects the project’s role as a ‘link’ for the community, whether that’s connecting people to services like the medical centre via new transport services or engaging young people by creating a flexible space within Jules House. It is also felt that as the project develops, the name will remain relevant and adaptable to any future changes. 

To find out more about project, visit the Local Link page here: Local Link | Projects | Rural Innovation in Action 

The RIIA Roundup – April 2025

It’s been an exciting 2025 so far, with big strides forward for several of the projects in the RIIA programme.  

Keep reading to find out more about how things are progressing for Local Link, Stockyard and Rutland County Museum. 

DRT phase one 

In addition to the approval of improvements to the former Jules House building, the first Demand Response Transport (DRT) services successfully commenced operations on March 31 in Zone 1 (see map above). 

Marking phase one of the new network, the current R2 route will be replaced with DRT, meaning you can access the service at a time most convenient to you.  

Operating between 7am-7pm on weekdays and 8am-6pm on Saturdays, the service will provide fixed journeys at peak times and DRT during off-peak periods. 

Find more information about DRT and other services by visiting the new Rutland buses website here. 

Duo of planning permissions granted to RIIA projects 

In a significant step forward for the RIIA programme, two key projects have been granted planning approval to progress to the construction stage.  

Rutland County Council has been permitted to create a central hub for new transport services between Oakham, Melton Mowbray, and surrounding areas.  

As part of the wider transport scheme, the Jules House building will gain an expanded rear extension, full interior refurbishment and new landscaping. The renovation will provide vital community space – to be used by local groups once open – as well as office availability. 

Melton Borough Council’s flagship project, Stockyard, has also been granted approval to progress with plans to enhance the town’s offering as a food destination.  

The approved plans include the creation of a brand new Anchor Building, the addition of new food production units and the development of a multifunctional events space – putting Melton Mowbray on the map as the Rural Capital of Food. 

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as the projects progress and construction starts in the coming months. 

Help shape the future of Rutland County Museum! 

Rutland County Council is moving forward with plans to enhance local heritage services, transforming Rutland County Museum into a state-of-the-art cultural and civic centre. 

A key component of this could involve taking ownership of the skeleton of the Rutland Ichthyosaur – or Sea Dragon – from Anglian Water. This would form part of an exciting digital visitor experience that also brings the county’s Roman Mosaic to life. 

Although predominantly facilitated by UK Government Funding via the RIIA programme, RCC will also be seeking additional National Lottery Heritage Funding for this project. As part of this process, they are seeking views from residents, visitors and key stakeholders to shape the future of Rutland County Museum – please take a few minutes to fill in the survey here. 

Plans for Melton’s Stockyard get the green light

Plans to regenerate Stockyard Melton Mowbray have been approved by Melton Borough Council’s Planning Committee, marking an important milestone for the project. The Stockyard development is a flagship project for the council that will support the growth of the food production sector in Melton Mowbray and enhance its potential as a cultural destination. 

The exciting vision includes a range of improvements to the current site, featuring a new destination Anchor Building serving multiple purposes and new open plan food production hubs which will enable multi-use occupancy for business needs. The new buildings have been carefully designed to complement the existing area, and the development will also enhance some of the existing buildings on site, such as the trader hall and existing toilets.  

Stockyard forms part of a wider ambition being delivered collaboratively with Rutland County Council under the Rural Innovation in Action scheme, which has received combined UK Government Funding of £22.95m. 

The approved proposals, subject to a Section 106 agreement, also include a multifunctional events space in the centre of the site, which will host a diverse calendar of activities to attract local and national visitors to the town. Many events, such as food festivals already established on the Cattle Market site will remain and will now have the space to expand thanks to the upgraded plans. The scheme aims to make the space a more welcoming environment for all, with significant improvements to the main walkways, additional green infrastructure and seating as well as electric vehicle charging points. Additionally, there will be the inclusion of a Changing Places toilet facility to ensure the site is accessible for all. 

Councillor Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council and responsible for key project delivery at Melton Borough Council, said: “Following a thorough planning and engagement process with the local community and key stakeholders to help form the Stockyard project, it’s good to see that our plans have been approved.  

“The scheme is a transformational development that enhances the existing site. We will be able to increase and improve the food manufacturing and education aspects on site, and we’ll also be adding new public toilets with a changing places area – a facility the local community has voiced the need for. The planning approval represents a significant milestone, and we’ll be keeping stakeholders up to date on progress.” 

In recent years, Stockyard has acted as a local point of interest bringing people together from around the area to experience the goods that are produced on site, which has already attracted visitors to the town. The Retail Impact Assessment showed the enhancements at Stockyard will generate further footfall and economic activity, supporting existing businesses in the town centre, whilst making full use of a unique site that cannot be replicated elsewhere. 

A key part of Stockyard is to incorporate the broader Town Centre Vision, ensuring the plans link and support the wider area. The plans also include new signage directing people to the town centre and improved public realm across the site, with enhanced access. 

Following planning approval and the discharge of any relevant planning conditions, work is planned to begin in the spring. The council have already received interest and are taking enquiries from potential occupiers of the new units and are encouraging interested parties to contact APB on wjs@apbleicester.co.uk. 

Council exploring plans to make revamped museum the home of Britain’s largest Ichthyosaur

Rutland County Council (RCC) is set to discuss proposals that will enhance its heritage services and boost the local economy by transforming Rutland County Museum into a state-of-the-art cultural and civic centre.

If approved, detailed design work would begin to reimagine the museum and Catmose Cottage site as a new cultural hub. The globally significant Rutland Ichthyosaur skeleton – Britain’s largest and most complete fossil of its kind – could become the centrepiece of the plans alongside a new digital visitor experience that brings the County’s Roman Mosaic to life.

The proposals, which will be considered by Rutland County Council’s cabinet on 11 February, include acquiring the Rutland Ichthyosaur (known as a Sea Dragon) from Anglian Water to become part of the council’s accredited museum collection.

Councillor Gale Waller, leader of Rutland County Council, said: “These ambitious set of proposals are intended see the magnificent Rutland Ichthyosaur brought to life alongside other valuable local treasures inside a much-improved museum building. This has huge potential in terms of attracting more visitors to our area, supporting local businesses and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Rutland’s priceless heritage assets.

“Following a thorough review of potential options, the approach to developing an enhanced cultural and civic centre at Rutland County Museum is considered the most sustainable and economically positive way to preserve and celebrate Rutland’s rich history for generations to come. If approved, we will begin the detailed design process, working closely with key stakeholders to explore how best to create a high-quality space for both residents and visitors.”

Rutland County Council has explored a number of avenues to ensure the most viable option is progressed, helping the authority to secure a long-term future for Rutland County Museum, supporting the local economy, reducing the ongoing running costs for the council’s heritage services and securing a home for historical artefacts of international significance.

Jason Allen, chair of the Discover Rutland Tourism committee, said: “Discover Rutland are excited and offer our enthusiastic support for the proposed refurbishment of the County Museum, with the aim of transforming it into a major attraction for Oakham. This development represents a unique opportunity to enhance the visitor experience for both our cultural and historical offering in Rutland as well as being a community facility. It is proposed that this will also be home to the recently discovered ichthyosaur in digitalisation form which will undoubtably receive both national and international interest.”

“Tourism is a key driver in the Rutland economy bringing in excess of £170m to the county annually and attracting some 1.5m visitors. The refurbishment of the museum will be a transformative project for the local economy and our cultural heritage, creating a lasting impact for years to come and another visitor attraction to encourage longer stays in the county”

The cultural elements of the plans would be funded through the £22.95 million UK Government Funding (formerly known as Levelling Up Funding) as part of the Rural Innovation in Action programme. This includes the digitalisation of the Rutland Ichthyosaur and Roman Mosaic, as well as the development of a new visitor experience. Further enhancements would depend on securing additional external grants, including National Lottery Heritage Funding.

To learn more about the plans for Rutland County Museum, which form part of Rutland’s joint Rural Innovation in Action scheme with Melton, visit: ruralinnovationinaction.co.uk.

To read the agenda and reports for Rutland County Council’s Cabinet meeting on 11 February, please visit: www.rutland.gov.uk/meetings.

Positive step taken to improve transport services in Rutland and Melton

Progress has been made in improving vital transport services for residents of Rutland and Melton following the planning approval of alterations to the former Jules House building in Oakham. 

The proposals were announced by Rutland County Council earlier this year and are part of a broader scheme, known as Rural Innovation in Action, being collaboratively delivered with Melton Borough Council under its combined £22.95m UK Government Funding (former known as Levelling Up Funding).  

The scheme will be centrally located in the former Jules House area, close to Oakham Train Station and leading to Rutland Memorial Hospital. The plans include establishing two new bus routes from the site, featuring both fixed-line and demand-responsive transport operated by 11 additional buses. 

Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities at Rutland County Council, said: “Receiving planning permission for this important infrastructure and transport initiative marks an exciting step forward. Once fully operational, we expect the new bus service to significantly enhance the mobility of thousands of residents across Rutland and Melton, integrating the two rural market towns and boosting the local economy.” 

The approved plans also involve reconfiguring the current land to accommodate suitable parking and turning areas for minibuses on the site. An accessible path will be created through the former Jules House site, seamlessly connecting pedestrians between the hospital area and the town. 

The Jules House property will benefit from an expanded rear extension, full interior refurbishment, and new landscaping. The redevelopment will also provide much-needed community space, with first-floor office space available for rent to support the scheme’s economic viability. 

Cllr Wise added: “The addition of community space in the approved plans will be welcomed by the local community and serve as an important area for residents and local groups once open. 

“As we move towards the next stage of the project, Rutland County Council will be keeping local residents and key stakeholders informed as it progresses towards construction.”  

Further information events will be held later in the year to provide additional details on bus routes to residents and stakeholders in Rutland and Melton. 

To learn more about the approved plans or wider Rural Innovation in Action scheme, visit: ruralinnovationinaction.co.uk.  

The RIIA Roundup – January 2025

Created following the awarding of £22.95 million UK Government Funding, Rural Innovation in Action (RIIA) is a programme of work jointly delivered by Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council, to breathe new life into the local economy. 

Keep reading for the latest updates across all RIIA projects and what to expect from us in 2025. 

Stockyard strides forward 

In November 2024, GF Tomlinson hosted an incredibly successful ‘Meet the Supplier’ event – this created a chance for local suppliers and sub-contractors to learn about how to get involved in the Stockyard redevelopment and meet the project team.  

From those specialising in groundwork, roofing, brickwork, or any other trade, it was the perfect opportunity to connect with more than 100 people who are equally keen to support this exciting project.  

Weren’t able to attend but want to find out more? Email supplychainpartners@gftomlinson.co.uk or call the team on 01332 342202. 

Giving back to the environment 

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is rightfully a mandatory requirement. It ensures developments have a positive impact on biodiversity and habitats are left in a measurably better state than they were before.  

Across the projects in the RIIA programme, BNG is being considered in the scheme from the outset. For some sites, such as our project on Cold Overton Road, we’re utilising cross-project capabilities to ensure effective biodiversity is achieved, by utilising the Medi-Tech land to create fantastically diverse wildlife opportunities. This is just one of the benefits of such a far-reaching scheme of work.  

Keep your eyes peeled for more information about our BNG plans as work progresses on all RIIA projects. 

Feedback from the community 

In the latter stages of 2024, the RIIA team met with both the Youth Forum and Disabled Youth Forum in Rutland to discuss plans for the future of the bus routes. 

It’s incredibly important to us that we gather feedback from a range of demographics that will be using the new bus services funded by the RIIA programme. 

The two sessions were overwhelmingly positive, generating lots of great ideas that the team will continue to consider as the project progresses. 

Looking ahead to 2025 

With the new year upon us, it’s easy to see the strides made in 2024 for the RIIA programme – from submitting permission for multiple projects to engaging with the local community in our plans. 

This is set to continue in 2025, with massive progress expected on all four projects. 

We are working towards construction programmes beginning at multiple sites, making a significant step in progress for the RIIA scheme.  

Keep an eye out for more updates on our social channels or find more information about each of the projects here. 

Rutland Council announces plans for a new transport initiative

VITAL transport services for the area will be extended and improved in Oakham, thanks to exciting plans announced by Rutland County Council. 

The council has revealed proposals to utilise a central site for its new transport initiative. The ambitious proposal forms part of a wider scheme being delivered collaboratively with Melton Borough Council under its combined £22.95m Levelling Up Funding (LUF).  

The scheme will be based at the former Jules House area leading to the Oakham Memorial Hospital. A new network of bus routes will be introduced, supported by both fixed line and demand-responsive transport with local journeys serviced by a fleet of three electric minibuses. This will increase the mobility of than 100,000 people across Rutland and Melton, bringing together the two rural market towns into one economic system. 

Penny Sharp, strategic director of places at Rutland County Council, said: “As part of our ambitions for the secured funding, we were eager to utilise our existing building stock and land but reimagine it into spaces benefitting the community. The site at Cold Overton Road presented a fantastic opportunity to cement a lasting impact and legacy and provide essential services to local residents.” 

“The new facilities will enhance the existing public transport services providing connectivity to the train station, Oakham town and to services in other parts of the county.” 

The work includes reconfiguring the current land to accommodate suitable parking and turning for the minibuses. An accessible path will also be developed to connect the hospital area to the town through the former Jules House site. The Jules House plot comprises of a semi-detached house and surrounding land. It will benefit from an improved extension to the rear, full interior refurbishment and creative landscaping. 

Jules House was gifted to the council and the redevelopment of the building will ensure its availability as a community space. The first floor will be lettable office space to support the economic viability of the scheme.  

Penny added: “Overall, the LUF scheme will harness the potential of Rutland and Melton, and the development of this initiative responds to the need for increased transport routes, better mobility between the towns and brings essential community spaces back into use.” 

Ahead of submitting a planning application for the scheme, Rutland County Council have circulated an update to nearby residents about the exciting plans. To find out more visit: www.rutland.gov.uk/levellingup  

For more information, contact Kali Dennett or Rosie Lees on 0115 853 2110 or luf@cartwrightcommunications.co.uk  

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